Mini Ninjas is set in a world where an ancient samurai warlord has returned to wreak havoc. He has transformed innocent animals into fearsome warriors, causing chaos and destruction throughout the land. A ninja master named Hiro is tasked with restoring balance to nature and defeating the warlord's minions.
The game follows Hiro and his friend Futo as they journey through different worlds, using a third-person perspective with some freedom to explore the environment. When lost, players can meditate to receive a hint and see an arrow pointing in the direction of the next objective.
As players progress, they will encounter other warriors who can be freed to play as them. Each character has unique abilities, such as Hiro's Kuji spells or Futo's large hammer. Players can switch between characters at any time, using their special moves and attacks to overcome enemies.
The gameplay involves basic attacks, defence breakers, and acrobatic moves like wall jumping and sneak mode. Characters can also gather fruit to restore health and collectible items to upgrade their abilities.